Welcome to Strat Labs’ Changemaker Spotlight Series! This blog series is dedicated to showcasing the inspiring journeys of remarkable individuals who have transformed their passions into purposeful endeavors, leaving a significant impact on the world around them every single day. Join us as we delve into the heart of innovation and commitment, celebrating the extraordinary stories of those who are not just dreaming of a better future but actively shaping it in their journey as a Changemaker.

Angela Bomgaars began as part of the founding team of Extreme Community Makeover (ECM), helping to turn what was once an idea into a thriving community program. She transitioned ECM into an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, building strategic partnerships, connecting with residents and organizations in target communities, and leading thousands of volunteers. Today, Angela manages ECM’s daily operations, fundraising, and administration. 

1. What inspired you to become a Changemaker, and how has that purpose evolved over time?

I’ve always wanted my life and time to be spent doing impactful work. Through ECM, I’ve been able to create opportunities for people to come together through service and connection—and witness firsthand how change is possible when people find common ground toward a shared goal.

When COVID hit, it reaffirmed how important it is to have spaces focused on connection, conversation, and care for others. That’s exactly where ECM’s model shines—by filling gaps where those three things are needed most.

2. What’s a challenge you’ve faced in your journey, and how did it shape the way you lead today?

One of the biggest challenges in nonprofit work is the constant scarcity of resources—time, money, supplies, and people. Early on, I realized that our greatest asset was our volunteers, so I focused on creating a meaningful experience for them.

By directly connecting volunteers with people and projects from start to finish, their engagement became central to the impact we create. Leading from this perspective helps shift the mindset from scarcity to abundance.

3. What does impact mean to you, and how do you measure it in your work?

To me, impact means doing something bigger than yourself—choosing to use your time, talent, or treasure to serve others. I measure impact every time we host a volunteer day and see people showing up to lend a hand, share their skills, or make a donation to sustain our efforts.

Each of these acts represents collective impact, powered by individuals coming together to make a difference.

4. What advice would you give to someone just beginning their changemaking journey?

Don’t overthink it. Find something you care about that allows you to use your unique skills and abilities. Be courageous—it takes risk and hard work to be a changemaker, and it’s rarely easy or glamorous. But if you’re willing to put in the effort and do the hard things even without recognition, you’ll find yourself creating change before you even realize it.

5. What’s a story that reminds you why this work matters?

Years ago, one of our volunteer groups met a young couple while doing door-to-door outreach. The couple didn’t need help but wanted to volunteer, so they joined a project assisting a neighbor who used a wheelchair. After the project, they learned she needed help mowing her lawn regularly. Since the couple already had a mower, they offered to take care of it for her—and continued doing so afterward.

Stories like this remind me that what starts as a simple project can grow into lasting relationships and real community care.

6. How is ECM adapting to Denver’s current climate of political uncertainty?

We focus on what we can control—continuing to emphasize the importance of showing up, building relationships, and communicating with one another. Many of today’s challenges come from a lack of connection, so ECM’s role is to host events that encourage dialogue and understanding, even among people with different opinions. That’s how real change begins.

7. Tell us about your new program, Good Neighbors. What impact do you hope it will have?

The Good Neighbors program is designed to foster deeper, one-on-one connections between volunteers and neighbors, moving beyond single-day projects. I hope it creates lasting relationships where neighbors feel supported and less isolated.

Community members can help by signing up to volunteer—since the number of neighbors we can serve depends on the number of volunteers committed to the program.

8. What’s something people often misunderstand about the work you do?

Some think ECM is just about picking up trash or pulling weeds, but it’s so much more. A clean yard or alley can change how someone feels about themselves and their environment. These projects don’t just improve physical spaces—they positively impact mental and emotional well-being too.

9. As a leader in Denver, what gives you hope for the future?

Despite the negativity we often hear, I’m encouraged by the positivity I see every day. Every volunteer event is filled with people choosing kindness and service. We just need to tell those stories more often—so that hope, compassion, and community become the norm.

Angela’s work demonstrates that connection is the spark that turns service into transformation and communities into families.

To learn more about the impactful work of Extreme Community Makeover or to get involved in their volunteer programs, visit https://www.extremecommunitymakeover.org.

If you’d like to connect with Angela and learn more about her Changemaker journey, you can find her on LinkedIn.